Designer Apparel and Footwear (Ready-To-Wear) in Canada

PROSPECTS

Men’s designer footwear records the strongest growth

Men’s designer footwear showed a stronger performance than women’s footwear in Canada in 2018, even though its overall value share remained lower than that of women’s designer footwear. In addition to the premiumisation trend and the increased availability of luxury footwear in Canada compared with previous years, men have become more conscious about fashion.

Streetwear continues to influence designer apparel and footwear

The streetwear trend continues to influence the fashion industry in Canada and drive growth in designer apparel and footwear (ready-to-wear). This trend shows no signs of slowing down, as younger and aspirational luxury consumers are drawn to designer sneakers, hats and ready-to-wear.

Retail expansion provides consumers with a greater selection of luxury apparel

Thanks to the expansion of mono-brand luxury specialist retailers and luxury department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, the increased availability of luxury brands in Canada has contributed significantly to growth in designer apparel and footwear (ready-to-wear). Affluent Canadian consumers can shop in Canada instead of having to go to Europe or the US.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Canada Goose claims leadership in a fragmented landscape

Canadian luxury brand Canada Goose took the lead in designer apparel and footwear (ready-to-wear) in value terms in 2017, driven by a strategy of growing its online and direct-to-consumer presence. Total revenues surged in the year ended 31 March, and the brand has announced it will open stores in Vancouver and Montreal.

Mono-brand store openings challenge luxury department stores

Luxury department stores remains the leading distribution channel in designer apparel and footwear (ready-to-wear). Holt Renfrew, menswear retailer Harry Rosen, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom are the four largest players in the country.

Internet retailing is relatively underdeveloped despite rapid growth

Internet retailing has recorded strong growth in designer apparel and footwear (ready-to-wear), but still accounted for only a small share of overall value sales in 2018. Although Canadians are avid internet users, e-commerce in Canada has lagged behind markets such as the US.

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